Beloved World War II veteran Bert Cox remembered as lifeblood of Beenleigh
One of Australia’s remaining World War II veterans is remembered for his service, scholastic interests, love of cricket, and community spirit.
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One of Australia’s remaining World War II veterans has died at 97 - and is being remembered for his service, scholastic interests, love of cricket, and community spirit.
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs fewer than 3000 of the 600,000 Aussies who served in the war from 1934 to 1945 are still living.
Warrant Officer Bert Cox of the Royal Australian Air Force, the last living World War II veteran from theBeenleigh Veterans & Ex-Services Association, passed away on Thursday December 9.
Officer Cox was born in Murwillumbah in June 1924 and enlisted in the RAAF on October 8, 1942 and served until January 1946.
He undertook wireless and gunnery training and went to Navigation School in Pyree.
He was posted to New Guinea and served as a flight sergeant, wireless operator and flew liberators out of Darwin and Morotai.
Officer Cox served in the Royal Australian Airforce in the Pacific Theatre of operations on board Liberator Bombers.
He was a revered teacher and headmaster, tennis and cricket coach, board member of the Beenleigh Sports Club, Club Beenleigh, and the Beenleigh RSL.
He also served on the Beenleigh Tennis Association, the Beenleigh Cricket Association, and was the initiator of Junior Tennis in Beenleigh.
He was a Life member of the Beenleigh Sports Club and was one of the foundation members of the Beenleigh Veterans and Ex-Services Association.
The Association took to Facebook to share a tribute to Officer Cox.
“It is with deep regret that I inform members and friends of the passing of our only remaining World War II Veteran Bert Cox,” the post read.
“Bert Cox was a great man and will be sadly missed by not only the members of the Club Beenleigh but also the greater Beenleigh Community.
“Rest in peace.”
Donna Bonzina said she would miss her friend.
“A gentle man and a scholar - I will miss you,” she said.
“You lived a life any man would be proud off.
“I am proud to have known you.”
Beenleigh local Mark Ellis said he was saddened to hear of Bert’s passing.
“Such a legend in this community. He certainly left a huge legacy on this planet,” Mr Ellis said.
“A life well spent. Congrats Bert on an incredible life - you may be resting but your inspiration will always remain.”
Logan local Cameron Rice said he would never forget Bert.
“My memories of Bert were through local cricket as a junior cricketer and into senior cricket,” he said.
“Bert would roll up in his big old car and in his black and white clothing and umpire for the day.
“Thanks for the memories Bert, may you rest in peace.”
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Originally published as Beloved World War II veteran Bert Cox remembered as lifeblood of Beenleigh
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